Randomised controlled trial of Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Training including Lower Extremity Training (HABIT-ILE) for children with bimanual cerebral palsy.
Chief Investigators: Dr Leanne Sakzewski, Professor Roslyn Boyd, Dr Yannick Bleyenheuft, Professor Iona Novak, Professor Catherine Elliott, Dr Cathy Morgan, Dr Kerstin Pannek.
Associate Investigators: Dr David Rowell, Ms Prue Golland, Professor Robert Ware.
NHMRC funded Project: 2018-2022
The HABIT-ILE study will investigate the efficacy of an intensive day camp model of intensive upper and lower extremity training to improve gross motor function and bimanual hand performance in children aged 6-16 with bilateral cerebral palsy. We will secondarily investigate the impact of HABIT-ILE on walking efficiency, self-care, mobility, achievement of individualised occupational performance goals, quality of life, and neuroplasticity in this is a randomised waitlist controlled trial.
The HABIT-ILE study offers a range of opportunities suitable for new graduates as well as experienced clinicians. Opportunities exist for candidates with a range of backgrounds including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and exercise science, human movements, medical, and or/health economists to undertake a PhD or Masters projects.
PhD Opportunities:
- The efficacy of intensive bimanual training on bimanual hand skills and goal attainment in children and youth with bilateral cerebral palsy (Supervisory Team: Dr Leanne Sakzewski, Professor Roslyn Boyd)
- The efficacy of intensive lower extremity training on gross motor function, walking efficiency and mobility (Supervisory Team: Dr Leanne Sakzewski, Professor Roslyn Boyd, Dr Lee Barber)
- The relationship between clinical outcomes and neuroplasticity following intensive upper and lower extremity training in children with bilateral cerebral palsy (Dr Leanne Sakzewski, Professor Roslyn Boyd, Dr Kerstin Pannek, Dr Jurgen Fripp at CSIRO)
- Cost effectiveness of intensive group-based upper and lower extremity training for children and youth with bilateral cerebral palsy (Dr Leanne Sakzewski, Prof Roslyn Boyd, Dr David Rowell (health Economist at UQ).
